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Administration

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1. Are Fairview City Council meetings open to the public?

All meetings (with the exception of Executive Session meetings) are public meetings. City Council meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers.

2. Can a citizen address the Fairview City Council about an issue at their meetings?

All council meetings have an agenda item entitled non-agenda items. You may ask to be heard in this portion of the meeting. Your time will be limited depending upon the length of the overall meeting.

3. Where can I find a copy of the latest agenda for the Fairview City Council?

View current and past agendas for the Fairview City Council.

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Backflow

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1. What is backflow?

When backflow occurs, water runs backward through the water system. This water could contain something that might contaminate the drinking water supply. While we strive to maintain positive pressure in the system at all times, events such as main breaks and firefighting can contribute to backflow conditions.

2. What is a cross connection?

A cross connection is any connection between piping that carries drinking water (also known as potable water) and the piping or fixtures that carry other types of water or substances that are not safe to drink or may impact the taste or odor of water (also known as nonpotable water). Common cross connections include hot tubs, sprinkler, irrigation systems, and wells.

3. How do I prevent water heater thermal expansion?

You may need to protect your water heater from thermal expansion when you install a backflow prevention device at the water meter. This may be provided by the installation of a thermal expansion tank and a temperature and pressure relief valve. For more information, call us at (503) 665-9320 or contact a licensed plumber.

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Business

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1. How long does it take to get a residential building permit?

The process time for a residential building permit is usually less than 10 business days, assuming the submitted information is complete and correct.

2. When I submit an application for a permit, when are the fees due?

An over-the-counter permit requires payment at the time of processing. Permits requiring plan review require a deposit when you submit the permit application and full payment at the time of issuance. Please call (503) 674-6206 if you need assistance determining fees.

3. What methods of payment are accepted for permit fees?

Currently, checks and cash are the only forms of payment accepted for permit fees.

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City Recorder

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1. How often are city elections held?

The city follows state election laws governing special and general elections. Most city elections are held the first Tuesday in November.

2. Can anyone serve on city boards and commissions?

The city has different requirements for each board and commission, but the most common one is that you must be a resident of the City of Fairview. For more information, check out boards and commissions.

3. Can I subscribe to receive City Council meetings agendas?

Yes, you can subscribe to this type of information along with many others. Check out the Notify Me service.

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Economic Development

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1. What is an Enterprise Zone?

The Enterprise Zone program is a development tool to attract development, including higher wage jobs and higher capital investments, within the zone boundary. Eligible business firms meeting the required criteria receive 100% property tax abatement on any new, qualified investment within the zone boundary for three to five years.

2. Where can I find industrial properties available in Fairview?

Visit Oregon Prospector, www.oregonprospector.com for detailed information about available industrial land and buildings available in Fairview or call Erika Fitzgerald, Economic Development Program Manager at 503-674-6242 for more information.
Visit Oregon Prospector

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Municipal Court

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1. What can I do if I cannot appear in Court on my scheduled day?

Contact the Court Clerk at (503) 665-7929 for available options.

2. How much time do I have to pay my parking ticket?

Parking tickets are due 10 days from the dated cuted, If you have three unpaid parking tickets, your car will be towed. All fines must be paid before your vehicle will be released

3. Will violations go on my driving record?

All convictions will show on your driving record except parking and ordinance violations.

4. How can I make payments?

Payments can be made in person at Fairview City Hall. Cash, check, money order or credit cards are accepted. You may mail payments by check or money order. Payments by credit card can be made over the phone by calling (503) 665-7929. There is a $4.95 convenience fee on all credit card payments.

5. What if I cannot make it to court but want to see the judge?

You may send a written explanation and request that your court date be postponed. The judge will require a reasonable explanation as to why you need to reschedule.

6. May I take a driver's safety class as an alternative?

The Court Clerk may be able to offer a driver's safety class in order to keep the citation off your driving record. You must meet certain requirements. Please call the Court Clerk at (503) 665-7929 to check the requirements.

7. Do you offer payment agreements?

The court offers a 4-month payment agreement for anyone unable to make payment in full. The fee for the payment agreement will depend on the amount of your fine. If payment in full is made within 30 days from the date the agreement is signed, the fee can be waived.

8. What happens if I fail to comply with the terms of a payment agreement?

If you fail to make your payments on time, the court will void the agreement, add additional court fees, send the unpaid balance to our collection agency, and file a suspension with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Collection Agency - Vally Credit Services

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Pay Your Bill Online FAQs

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1. Are these the Online Bill Pay FAQ's?

Yes

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Planning

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1. Do I need a permit to build a fence?

No, you do not need a permit to build a fence. Fences can be no taller than four feet if constructed within a front yard and no taller than six feet if constructed within a side or rear yard. The front yard is the area located between the front of a house and the front property line. The side yards are located along the side of a house behind the front façade of the house and the rear yard is located between the rear property line and back side of the house.

2. Do I need a permit to build a shed?

The size and height of the shed will determine whether or not a permit is required. All sheds and accessory structures are subject to the Fairview Municipal Code Section 19.30.110 (G). Please contact the city at (503) 674-6206 for additional information or questions.

3. Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

A permit is required to remove a street tree or a tree that is located within the right of way. Contact Linda Hulme at (503) 674-6234 for assistance or questions regarding the removal of a street tree.

A tree removal permit is required for trees that are located within natural resource areas. Contact the Planning Division at (503) 674-6206 for additional information.

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Police

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1. When and how do I use 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is the emergency phone number linking a caller to the appropriate emergency response - police, fire, or medical. Using 9-1-1 ensures the quickest possible response for emergencies. A professionally trained call-taker will ask the caller pertinent questions about the emergency to better evaluate what kind of emergency response is needed. Oftentimes, the caller may be in need of emergency help from more than one emergency service. It is the call-taker’s responsibility to help determine what kind of response will best render aid for the emergency.

2. How do I decide what is a 9-1-1 emergency, and when I should use the nonemergency phone number?

Call 9-1-1 any time the incident is an immediate risk to the safety of people or property. Examples of 9-1-1 emergencies include: fire; someone in immediate medical crisis; a crime that is occurring now; or a situation that is occurring now that poses immediate risk of injury to others, such as a collapsed bridge, fallen tree across a road, downed power lines, or a drunken driver being followed. Suspicious activity that is occurring now, such as activity involving a person(s) or vehicle that appears to have criminal intent, can also justify using the 9-1-1 emergency telephone number.

Nonemergency situations include examples such as a noninjury fender-bender vehicle crash, awaking to find your property was damaged sometime overnight, after a crime has been committed but the suspect has long left the scene, or complaints about a neighbor’s noisy party or barking dog. Do not use 9-1-1 for general information.

How to use 9-1-1:

• From a landline, such as at home dial 9-1-1. Remain calm - answer questions the call taker asks.
• Do not preprogram 9-1-1 into your telephone or cellular phone, this can cause dialing problems if the battery is low on cordless phones. Far too often the preprogrammed button is hit accidentally, causing police to respond to the ‘incomplete’ 9-1-1 call to investigate. This wastes precious time when the police officer might be needed elsewhere for an actual emergency.
• At a business or other locations you may need to dial an outside line before dialing 9-1-1.
• At a pay phone no money is required to dial 9-1-1. Simply pick up the receiver and dial 9-1-1.
• When calling from a cellular phone, inform the call taker you are calling via cell phone.
• Provide location information.
• To access TTY or TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf), dial 9-1-1 on the phone, then press the space bar on the attached device until a written response is received.

3. What happens when I call 9-1-1?

9-1-1 and non-emergency calls inside the City of Fairview are answered by The Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC). When you dial 9-1-1, your call is routed to BOEC and is answered by a trained emergency Call Taker. The 9-1-1 telephone system has an Automatic Location Identification System and an Automatic Number Identification System (ALI / ANI) that indicates the address and telephone number of the caller. If the caller is unable to speak, police will be dispatched to the location of the call to determine the nature of the problem. If the call is coming from a cellular phone, ALI / ANI information will not be available to the Call Taker. The cell phone user must tell the Call Taker the exact location. Be prepared to provide the following information:

• What service is needed – Police, Fire, or Medical.
• Where the emergency has occurred.
• Answer any other questions the Call Taker may ask. Emergency calls only during area-wide events. During a major emergency that affects an entire region, such as an earthquake, life-threatening flooding, or other critical mass incidents, it is vitally important that citizens refrain from overloading the 9-1-1 system for non-essential calls.
• Calling 9-1-1 to report, “there was an earthquake” when the caller is not facing a life-threatening situation inappropriately ties up the 9-1-1 phone lines. When this happens, people with true emergencies receive a busy signal and can’t get through to 9-1-1.

4. What is the nonemergency phone number?

The nonemergency phone number for police response is: (503) 823-3333.

5. After calling for assistance, how long is the wait for police, fire or medical response?

All calls for police / fire / medical response are prioritized based on the nature or seriousness of the situation. Life threatening incidents will take priority over nonemergency situations or those that are not an immediate danger to life. Occasionally, response to non-life threatening incidents may be delayed by more serious calls or major incidents. This does not minimize the importance of the caller’s request for help; it merely places it in a practical order for proper response.

6. If I fear a child might be the victim of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect, whom should I call?

If the abuse is occurring now, call 9-1-1. If the incident is already over, or there is a fear of past or ongoing abuse, call the nonemergency phone number: (503) 823-3333.

Law enforcement must investigate any accusation of child abuse or neglect. Although witness information is extremely helpful, reports can be made anonymously.

7. What if I hear or see a domestic argument that has turned violent?

Immediately call 9-1-1. A neighbor or passerby that sees or hears domestic violence has a civic duty to report incidents of violence or injury. Domestic violence impacts everyone in a community: relatives, children, friends, churches and community organizations, schools, and businesses. Domestic violence includes assault (physical injury), sexual abuse, and imminent threats of serious injury. It can involve animal abuse and criminal mischief, as well as other kinds of crimes. Domestic violence is a crime and must be dealt with accordingly. Although witness information is extremely helpful, reports can be made anonymously. Law enforcement must investigate any accusation of domestic violence.

8. Should suspicious activity in my neighborhood be reported?

If a person or property is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If you deem the situation suspicious in nature, call the nonemergency number: (503) 823-3333. Far too often citizens are hesitant to call police when they observe something strange, believing the police are too busy, or fear embarrassment if the incident turns out to be an authorized activity. Many criminal activities have been prevented or stopped short, and criminals arrested due to the diligence of citizens reporting suspicious activities. Citizens know what situations are acceptable and ‘normal’ in their neighborhoods, parks, schools, or workplaces. The Fairview Police Department encourages citizens to report suspicious activities.

9. What is the curfew law in Fairview?

Under the Fairview City Ordinance, curfew times are based on age:

9.05.020 Hours specified
The specified hours for the purpose of this chapter shall be as follows:

A. For minor children under the age of 14 years who have not begun the 9th grade the specified hours shall be between 9:15 pm and 6:00 am of the following morning, except that during the summer months when school is not in session the hours shall be between 10:15 pm and 6:00 am of the following morning;

B. For minor children 14 years of age or over or who have begun the 9th grade, the specified hours shall be between 10:15 pm and 6:00 am of the following morning on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; the specified hours on Friday and Saturday shall be between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 am of the following morning, except that during the summer months during which time regular school is not in session the hours for all days of the week shall be between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 am of the following morning. (Ordinance 7-1963 § 2)

Curfew ordinance information is in Chapter 9.05 of the city’s code. Fairview Municipal Code - Curfew

10. What constitutes an ‘abandoned vehicle’ in a neighborhood?

The City of Fairview prohibits parking of any vehicle (including trailers) on a public street for longer than 72 hours. If a vehicle or trailer is not moved (more than a city block) during a 72-hour period the vehicle may be issued a parking ticket for storage on a street. After 72 hours the vehicle is also considered abandoned. An abandoned vehicle can be towed, at the owner’s expense, after a 24-hour notice sticker is placed on the vehicle.
Under certain circumstances, a vehicle may be considered abandoned and towed within 24 hours (not 72 hours) if any of the following conditions exist:

• The vehicle has expired license plates
• The vehicle has flat tires or is missing wheels and tires
• There is excessive debris around vehicle indicating it has not moved in some time
• The vehicle appears to be inoperative or disabled
• The vehicle appears to be wrecked, dismantled, or junked

In a nutshell, vehicles must be driven at least every 72 hours and trailers, campers, and other RVs cannot be stored on the street.

11. I was involved in a traffic crash. What procedures must I follow?

If you are involved in an injury traffic crash, call 9-1-1. Police / fire / medical services will respond to the scene and render aid. In addition, traffic crashes involving an injury and/or over $1,500 in vehicle or property damages must be reported to the DMV within 72 hours of the event. DMV forms may be obtained at the Fairview Police Department or any DMV office. If the DMV does not receive the required documentation, your privilege to drive may be suspended and your driver’s license seized. Drivers involved in a traffic crash must stop and exchange required information with all parties involved or directly affected by the crash. Drivers are required to present sufficient information as to their identities, and an address and/or phone number for contact. Refusal to provide required information may constitute a crime in Oregon. A driver leaving the scene of a crash without first providing the required information may be arrested for the misdemeanor or felony crime of failure to perform the duties of a driver involved in a traffic crash.

12. As a result of a traffic violation or crime, police towed my vehicle. How do I get it back?

If the vehicle was impounded because it was uninsured, the registered owner or title-holder must bring proof of insurance in order to obtain a vehicle release. If the registered owner or title-holder does not have current, valid driving privileges, another person with a confirmed valid driver’s license must accompany the vehicle’s owner.
The registered owner must:

• Present a valid driver’s license (or be accompanied by another person with a valid driver’s license) to the Fairview Police Department
  1300 NE Village St.
  Fairview, OR 97024
• Pay a release fee of $100
• Show proof of ownership through vehicle registration or possession of vehicle title
• Show proof of current vehicle insurance for the specific vehicle

Once the above listed requirements are met, the vehicle’s owner will be issued a Vehicle Release form. The document includes the name and location of the tow business that impounded the vehicle.

The Vehicle Release must be presented to the tow company. Once the vehicle’s owner has paid towing and storage charges owed to the tow company, the vehicle will be released to its owner.

For additional information, please contact the Fairview Police Department.
During business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, you may call (503) 674-6200. After business hours, you may call the dispatch phone number at (503) 823-3333.

13. Where is the Fairview Municipal Court located?

The Fairview Municipal Court is located at 1300 NE Village Street, Fairview, Oregon 97222. For additional information or questions pertaining to traffic court, call (503) 665-7929.

14. What is the procedure for acquiring a copy of a police report?

You must submit a written request for reports, or request the information in person at the Fairview Police Department. There is a fee for reports based on the size of the report. There is no charge for victims. Reports are unable to be faxed. If the circumstances of the case have already been submitted to the district attorney for action, you will need to contact that office to determine whether the information can be released. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office phone number is: (503) 988-3162.

15. What are the business hours of the Fairview Police Records Department?

The Fairview Police Records Department is open to the public from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The office closed on weekends and holidays. The Police Records business line is (503) 674-6200.

16. How do I find out if I have a pending warrant for my arrest?

To determine whether there is a warrant, you must come in person, with identification, to the police department. A police officer can then advise you if a warrant exists. This information cannot be obtained over the phone.

17. How do I find out if a particular criminal arrest is still on my record?

Information pertaining to criminal history information may be obtained through the Oregon State Police Identification Services Section. For more information and current fees for this service, contact the Oregon State Police Identification Services by calling (503) 378-3070, ext. 236. The office is in Salem, Oregon.

18. How do I obtain a concealed weapon permit?

For information regarding concealed weapon permits contact the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office at (503) 251-2417.

19. What does the City of Fairview require related to business and home alarm systems?

The City of Fairview requires that users of security alarm systems obtain a permit for each system being used. Most alarm systems fall under the category of residential or business.

When a security alarm activates, a monitoring company notifies the police, fire, or medical dispatch center by phone. The appropriate public safety responder is sent to investigate the alarm incident. Statistically, the vast majority of alarm activations are false. In the event an investigating police officer determines the false alarm was user error, an equipment malfunction, or finds no identifying cause for the alarm, the incident is documented as a "false alarm."

For more information on alarm permits, contact the Fairview Police Department Alarms Department at (503) 674-6258.

• Application forms are available at the Fairview Police Department
  1300 NE Village St.
  Fairview, OR 97024.
• Alarm Permit applications are also available online

20. I want to file for a restraining order. How do I proceed?

A restraining order or a protective order is a legal document authorized by a court judge most often related to domestic violence incidents. Victims must request the appropriate forms through the jurisdictional county where they live.

For Multnomah County residents, additional information and forms may be obtained through the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. Multnomah County District Attorney

21. How do I get a copy of a police report?

You must submit a written request for reports or request the information in person at the Fairview Police Department. There is a fee for reports.

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Utilities - Service Repairs/Billing Questions FAQs

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1. Why is consumption so high?

Consumption may be high for many reasons. Maybe more people living in the household. During the summer, water consumption may be higher because you are watering the lawn or garden, or an outside hose may have been left on. In commercial situations, you may have water-cooled air conditioning, or your business may have increased or changed adding to water usage. Often, consumption may be high because of leaking plumbing.

2. How can I tell if I have any water leaks?

Be sure to check toilets at the property. Toilet leaks are the most common and are hard to see or hear. Put food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 15 minutes. Do not flush the toilet during this time. If the coloring appears in the toilet bowl, there is a toilet leak. Also, if you hear the toilet refilling and no one has used it, there is a leak.

A major toilet leak can waste 800 cubic feet of water a day and can cost hundreds of dollars.

Look for leaky faucets. A fast drip from a faucet could waste around 265 gallons a day. Repair leaky faucets and toilets promptly—do it yourself or call a plumber, as these leaks cost money.

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Utility Payment Options FAQs

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1. How can I reduce my bill?

Remember that water is a valuable resource that shouldn't’t be wasted. Your water is clean, safe, and convenient; but you have to pay for its treatment and the system to deliver it to you. By conserving water in your home, you also save energy needed to heat it or run appliances.

Bathrooms:
• Two-thirds of the water used in an average home is used in the bathroom, and a lot of it goes into the sewer. From two to seven gallons of water are used every time a toilet is flushed. Do not use the toilet to flush items that can go in a wastebasket or garbage can. Be aware of toilet leaks.
• You may have been advised to take showers rather than baths to conserve water. If you take a long shower, however, you may use more water than if you took a bath. Long, hot showers no only waste water but also energy to heat the water. Consider using reduced-flow devices for showerheads.
• Don’t leave the water running while you shave or brush your teeth. You are just running clean water down the drain.

Kitchens:
• Be sure the dishwasher is fully loaded before running it. Try not rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
• If you wash dishes by hand, do not let the water run while washing or rinsing. Don’t let the water run while cleaning vegetables or other foods. Use a large pan or dish for rinsing.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting it run until it’s cold.

Laundry:
• Be sure to have full loads, or use the automatic controls for smaller loads.
• Use cold water for rinsing.

Outdoors:
• Don’t water on a fixed schedule, or if rain is in the forecast. Water grass or plants only if they show signs of needing it. Water during the coolest part of the day to avoid excess evaporation, and let the water sink in slowly. Water applied too fast runs off into storm sewers.
• When washing the car, use a bucket of water for rinsing, and use the hose only for rinsing.

Plumbing:
• Install shutoff valves for appliances and fixtures in case a pipe blows out. Most importantly, check for a main shutoff valve that turns off water to the whole house, and make sure that it works.

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Utility Rates FAQs

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1. What is an average monthly bill for a home in Fairview?

In 2011, the combined minimum utility bill for an average, single family home in Fairview is $56.41 (water, sewer, and stormwater). City of Fairview customers who utilize only the City’s sewer services are billed on a bi-monthly basis and the average bill is $63.16. Non-residential customer bills are calculated using an outside user rate. Please contact the utility billing office for information at 503-665-7929 ext. 1.

2. How are rates calculated?

Fairview’s utility rates are calculated based on what it costs the City to maintain the public water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities and services. Each of the City’s utilities is operated as an independent enterprise fund and all expenses and revenues for each service are kept separate. No tax revenues are used to cover the costs of utility services.

3. What is a unit of water?

Water usage is measured by consumption units. One consumption unit is the same as 748.5 gallons or 100 cubic feet. A container 5 feet long by 5 feet wide and 4 feet high holds one consumption unit.

4. What is stormwater?

Stormwater runoff is all water (rainfall or snow melt) that ultimately flows into drainage facilities, streams, ponds, lakes, wetlands or other waterborne. Stormwater is prevented from naturally absorbing into the ground because of human sprawl including buildings, parking lots, patios, sidewalks and driveways.

5. What part of my utility bill is flat and what part can I control?

Your residential utility bill is really three bills in one- it’s for water, wastewater, and stormwater services.
• For drinking water there is a flat portion and a variable portion. The flat portion is $15.46 a month. The variable portion is for the amount of water your household uses each month. You can control this portion of your utility bill water charge by conserving and using less water.
• The wastewater portion of the bill is a flat charge of $31.58 per month ($63.16 for two months).
• The stormwater is also a flat charge of $8.62 a month.

6. How can I voice my opinion on utility rates?

Residents may attend Fairview City Council meetings and voice opinions about rates for water, wastewater, and stormwater, or you can email comments to gallj@ci.fairview.or.us.

7. What is my stormwater utility bill fee used for?

Stormwater utility fees are dedicated to the repair, replacement, maintenance and construction of systems to manage stormwater runoff. Fees are used to provide a multitude of services that help to improve water quality and protect aquatic resources, as the City is mandated by federal law to have protection measures and meet health quality and standard benchmarks.
• Emergency response to hazardous spills
• Cleaning sediments and other pollutants from catchbasins and stormwater facilities
• Designing, constructing and maintaining stormwater quantity and quality facilities
• Implementation of Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control inspection and enforcement